Animal Cruelty & Emergencies

Animal Cruelty

The Jacksonville Humane Society takes animal cruelty and neglect very seriously. Florida Law protects animals against cruelty, abuse and neglect.* Violation of these laws may be punishable by fines and / or jail sentences.

Examples of neglect include:

Abandoned animals

Chained (chains must be a minimum of 10 feet)

No access to food, water or shelter

Animals in obvious need of medical attention

If you see an animal being abused or neglected, please report it immediately. Your quick action may save the life of an animal.

Animal Emergencies

The city's trained personnel can handle injured or trapped domestic animals safely and with care.

Reporting Animal Cruelty / Emergencies

To report animal cruelty, abuse and neglect -- or to notify the City of Jacksonville about an animal that is injured, trapped or in distress, please contact:

*Florida Statute 828.12 – Cruelty to animals: to unnecessarily overload, overdrive, torture, torment, deprive of necessary sustenance or shelter, or unnecessarily or cruelly beat, mutilate, or kill an animal, or cause the same to be done, or carry in or upon any vehicle, or otherwise, any animal in a cruel or inhumane manner.

There are many ways to help the animals. You can even make a donation now with our
secure, online form: